News – Thursday, October 23rd 2024

A fatal accident occurred Tuesday evening around 10:04 in Phelps County on County Road 7340 about four miles southwest of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report a 2013 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by 49-year-old Steven MacCash of Rolla was travelling eastbound and struck a deer in the roadway. MacCash was ejected and was pronounced deceased at 22:07 by Phelps County Deputies. MacCash was transported to Rolla Cremation by Phelps County Coroner Ernie Coverdell. The Harley was totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishmans.

The Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting on Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the Old auditorium. The agenda and consent agenda were approved after removing the Police Department Monthly Report and the Proposal for SCADA System under New and Miscellaneous Business. There were no public comments scheduled for this meeting. The Board approved the bid from Harry Cooper Supply Company for light poles for the Downtown Project, in the amount of $74,101.00. The bids for the Salem Water System Improvements Project, for the new well and water tower, were split into three parts. The Board approved the Notice of Award to BuildTec Construction for $785,331, for the well house, tank and well site and the Notice of Award to Caldwell Tanks for $1,583,200, for the multi-column elevated tank base and 400,000 gallon water tower. The board adjusted this bid approval to remove $1,500 that would have had to be paid by the City of Salem to have the town’s logo painted on the tank instead of just SALEM in block letters. The board also approved the Notice of Award to B&H Well Drilling & Pump Services for $548,949.93, for the well itself. This project is part of the $3,730,000.00 ARPA Grant received by the City. The Board also approved the proposal from Vandevanter Engineering for $39,860.00 for the SCADA Control System that electronically controls all of the City’s wells and pumps. The 2024-2025 State of Missouri State and Federal Legislative Priorities were also approved by the board. Melissa DuBois presented a request for a budget adjustment for the Al Brown Concession Stand Renovation Project. The request for an additional $8,500 will pay for the three retractable security shutter doors for the windows, new paint, and the replacement of two doors that have previously been damaged. The board approved this request. The Board approved a new lease agreement for the 2024 T-hangars with the lease amounts of $0.10 per square foot. During the City Officials Reports, City Administrator, Sally Burbridge stated that work for the Downtown Project will commence on October 28. She will put together an official media release with more information. The first section to be worked on will be the south side between Iron and Highway 19. Each section is estimated to last about two to three weeks. She anticipates the new light poles to be delivered in February 2025. Mayor Greg Parker gave an update on upcoming community events. There will be a Trunk or Treat event at Salem Residential Care on Friday evening from 4:00 to 6:00, and an indoor Trunk-or-Treat event at First Baptist Church on Halloween from 5:45 to 8:00. The Trunk-or-Treat event on 4th Street will take place between McArthur and Highway 19, and will go from 6:00 to 8:00 Halloween night. Public Works Director Steve Paine stated that the Feeder Line Clearing Project will begin on November 1st. They will be knocking on doors and speaking to residents the day before the line crews begin work, and residents he cannot reach will get a flier on their door with more information about what to expect during this project. He also stated the Electrical Crew is working on temporary light fixtures for the downtown area until the new poles can be delivered and installed. Finance Director, Stacy Houston gave an update on financials, and Melissa DuBois gave an update on the Hot Air Balloon Glow happening all day on Saturday. She also stated that registration for youth basketball will open in November. Alderwoman Kala Sisco announced her resignation from The Board, her last meeting will be November 12. The meeting then adjourned to closed session. 

Ozark National Scenic Riverways still is offering a series of guided hiking adventures this fall, showcasing the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Ozarks. The 2024 Fall Hiking Series runs until November 9th, featuring hikes that are free and open to the public. The Autumn Colors Hike will be at Devil’s Well this Saturday, and offers a 4.6-mile journey through diverse landscapes. That same evening, families can participate in a short Halloween hike looking for glowing spider eyes in the haunted hills at Alley Spring near Eminence. The series concludes on Saturday, November 9 with a Hike to Honor Veterans which is a five-mile round trip to Stegall Mountain. All hikes begin at 10:00 in the morning, except for the Spider Night Hike at Alley Spring which begins at 6:00 pm. Hikers are advised to come with appropriate gear, water, and snacks. For more information on meeting locations, call (573) 226-3945 or visit the park’s website. Experience the fall colors and diverse ecosystems of the Ozarks while learning about the area’s geological and cultural significance. 

Five bridges in Crawford County along Interstate 44 are in poor condition and in need of rehabilitation or replacement. The Missouri Department of Transportation is seeking community input on these projects. Exhibits are available online at modot.org for the Route J Bridge Replacement over Boone Creek, the Outer Road off Interstate 44 Bridge Rehabilitation over Little Bourbeuse River, and the Route C, Route FF, and Beamer Lane Bridge Rehabilitation over Interstate 44. Interested parties can make comments or questions at the meeting. Comments will be accepted online and in writing during the three-week comment period which will run through October 29th.  Input can be submitted online through a form modot.org, emailed to CDCR@modot.mo.gov, or mailed to the Crawford County Bridge Bundle, c/o MoDOT, 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO, 65102. All comments must be received or postmarked by October 29th.